Norway condemns attacks on diplomatic missions

OSLO, Norway, September 17, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- “Norway condemns the attacks over the last few days on Western diplomatic missions. Violence of this kind cannot be justified under any circumstances,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Ensuring security for diplomatic and consular missions is essential if diplomacy is to function effectively.

“Under international law, the receiving state has responsibility for the security of diplomatic and consular missions and their staff,” said Mr Støre, who stressed that the situation of Norwegian personnel was being reviewed on an ongoing basis.

The recent unrest clearly indicates that there is a need for more, not less, communication and understanding between the Arab world and the West. Active diplomacy is more important than ever.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right. However, I am critical of provocative acts or statements that are deliberately intended to cause insult to other people's faith. The right to protest is a key element of democracy, towards which more and more Arab countries are striving. But protests must be carried out peacefully and all use of violence must be fought against and condemned,” said Mr Støre.